January 2020 CRUISING Volume 57 Number 1 issn 0142-1492 The Journal of the Coastal MONTHLY Cruising Association Focusing on , Excursion Ships and Visit our Facebook Page or Web Site at Trip Boats around the coasts and on the www.coastalcruisingassociation.co.uk Rivers and Canals of the , Ireland and beyond.

Editorial Team

Editor Adrian Sweeney 7 Wood Lane, Prescot, Merseyside L34 1LN e-mail: [email protected]

Sub-Editor (West) B Kennedy, 9 Porthcaul Close, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 4FE

Sub-Editor () Paddle Steamer WAVERLEY at her berth at the A Deayton, Science Centre, in November 2019. 2/3, 3 Barrhead Road, Paisley, PA2 7EA Photo taken by Iain Quinn from QUEEN MARY.

Press Dates

News for inclusion in Cruising Monthly is always welcome, and should be sent to the editor by Tuesday Jan 28 for the February Issue.

Views of contributors to Cruising Monthly are not necessarily those of the CCA. Readers planning to use services referred to in Cruising Monthly are advised to confirm details with operators.

Standard notes used in Cruising Monthly: M = Mondays, T = Tuesdays, W = Wednesdays, Th = Thursdays, F = Fridays, S = Saturdays, Su = Sundays, plus O = only or X = excepted. The expression "weekdays" excludes Sundays but “daily” includes every day of the week. BHO = Bank Holidays only.

At Caernarfon on July 2 2017, BALMORAL rests for a while whilst on a Round Anglesey cruise.

(Adrian Sweeney)

Cruising Monthly January 2020

EDITORIAL hopes that you support the subscription increase when it is voted upon at the AGM.

Chairman’s Message Ian McCrorie I would like to start by wishing every An Appreciation by Iain Quinn member a very Happy New Year, and some good coastal cruising in the first summer of It is with great sadness that the CCA records the new decade. In view of the success of the passing of Iain McCrorie on December th Waverley’s fund raising, we should be able to 5 . Ian was an author, shipping historian, enjoy many more opportunities than were musician and so much more. His passing available to us in 2019. Cruising Monthly play brings an era to a close but his was a life an important role in telling members when lived to the full – and that was the case with and where unusual excursions are going to everything Ian had contact with. take place, and I would like to thank Adrian Sweeney on your behalf for such a fine Perhaps in shipping enthusiast circles his newsletter. golden period was between 1966 and 1976 when as the CRSC Cruise convenor many a For a good number of years, we have been sailing was organised on vessels such as able to keep our annual membership KING GEORGE V, WAVERLEY, CALEDONIA, subscription at the very modest rate of £21. MAID OF ARGYLL – in fact the list is endless The absence of any increase is down to a together with the piers and places visited. His change of printer to one with a much lower final charter as cruise convenor was on board rate and to careful control of costs. QUEEN MARY in 1976 to Ardrishaig a classic Unfortunately, we are unable to control day, remembered fondly by all who took postage costs, and Royal Mail seems to be part. intent on driving its customers away by imposing a regular annual increase. The Now that his own final journey has current rate is 61p, which amounts over a commenced the legacy he has left the year to £7.32, or more than one third of our shipping enthusiast community is a annual subscription. There is bound to be a wonderful one. Perhaps the word legend is further increase in April. much overused these days but with Ian it is a word that can be used with confidence. Our The draft accounts produced by our condolences of course go to Olive, his wife, Treasurer show that in 2019 our expenditure and his family and friends at this saddest of exceeded our income. Although our finances times. are healthy, and can readily afford that particular loss, your Council believes that it Ian McCrorie – Finished with Engines. would be unwise not to recognise that the situation should not continue. Accordingly, Editor: It was noted on that on the day of albeit with great reluctance, Council has Ian’s Memorial Service in , Mon Dec decided to recommend at the AGM that the 16, the flags of CalMac’s Clyde fleet flew at subscription should be increased to £23 from half mast. the renewal date of 1 April 2020. That will still mean that each copy of Cruising Monthly will cost members less than £2, and it’s hard to think of any similar organisation which offers such good value for money.

I will hope to see as many members as possible on the AGM day, for which the Scottish Branch has arranged an attractive programme, including a cruise on Lock Katrine and an AGM dinner which will contribute to the Waverley appeal. Council

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DIARY undertake a cruise to witness the start of the ‘Round the Island’ () yacht race that attracts upwards of 1500 entries and National AGM 25 January 2020 large numbers of spectator craft. This is an unforgettable maritime spectacle. On the As previously advised the National CCA AGM return journey no less than five cruise ships and Dinner will be held in the Commodore will be witnessed departing . Hotel, West Clyde Street Helensburgh, SHIELDHALL is the last survivor of her type . and is generally recognized as the largest UK steamship of her type operated entirely by The pre AGM Scenic Coach/Cruise will be to unpaid volunteers. For berthing and parking the Trossachs to cruise on Loch Katrine on details please refer to www.ss- board LADY OF THE LAKE (ex PRIDE OF THE shieldhall.co.uk/find_us where the CLYDE). The vessel has a heated saloon and information will be updated regularly – or call outside viewing deck and light refreshments the office. Hot and cold food, snacks and will be available. drinks will be available. Steam Packet Company have generously agreed to th Bookings close on Saturday January 11 extend “earlybird” booking offer, exclusively 2020. for the CCA, The advertised fare of £51has been reduced to £38.25. However, to qualify Please see booking form enclosed with for the discount, tickets must be purchased the October Issue of Cruising Monthly. using code 30052050 that expires on March 31. Early booking is recommended. This CCA 2020 Cruise Programme cruise MUST be booked directly from SHIELDHALL. Thank you to those who responded to the request for levels of support to the ideas Sunday 31 May floated for 2020 in CM. The SOLENT WEEKEND has now been confirmed (below) Charter cruise of SOLENT CAT or ALI CAT for and plans for the canal cruises are in hand. a cruise from Southampton (Hythe An upriver cruise from aboard TOWER Terminal – Town Quay) with a feeder coach BELLE jointly with the BALMORAL support operating from the Bournemouth/Poole group is under consideration and a possible conurbation. Passengers may embark at Medway cruise. , at no extra charge, for the ‘light’ run across to Southampton and, should they Solent Weekend wish, remain aboard for the evening run back Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May to Cowes where the boat will overnight. This must be advised at the time of booking and Saturday 30 May departure times should be confirmed, in advance, with the operator (01983-564602). The CCA have combined with SHIELDHALL to The “CATS” have wide open decks and arrange a weekend of Solent cruises (30-31 comfortable observation lounges and a well- May). On Saturday 30th, members will have stocked refreshment bar. Full meals will not the opportunity to sail aboard the unique be available. An informed commentary will be SHIELDHALL, the largest working steam ship provided. There are four liners due in port on in Britain. A member of the National Historic the Sunday including Cunard’s QUEEN Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to VICTORIA. A full tour of the docks will be Britain's maritime heritage. As a passenger provided before we embark upon an you too can experience the golden age of ambitious Solent cruise taking in the Rivers steam with opportunities to visit the bridge, Itchen, Test, Hamble, Beaulieu and Medina engine-room & boiler-room. See the steam and concluding with a tour of steering engine in operation and cover your Dockyard. ears when the whistle and the distinctive admiralty siren, the ‘organ,’ is sounded. On There will considerable demand for Saturday 30th, the SHIELDHALL will accommodation over the weekend as there

Page 3 Cruising Monthly January 2020 are nine cruise ships in port. Should anyone • Ask any local businesses or contacts you require advice or assistance in this respect, may have to offer their support. This please call 07718994425 or e-mail: could be anything from taking a collection [email protected]. Those wishing to can in a shop to sponsorship or a one off overnight on the Isle of Wight may consider donation. the Travelodge in Newport, situated near the • Donate in lieu of a celebration such as a bus station. birthday, anniversary or in memory of a loved one. WAVERLEY means so much to If you intend to sail on both or just one the people all over the world and their families 2020 Solent Charters there are many and the memories that have been made attractions in the area to visit during an on board over the years so let's Save the extended stay. WAVERLEY and make more memories.

As well as the Isle of Wight ferries there are: How you can donate Cowes Chain, Hayling Island, Hythe, Gosport, & River Hamble. • On the website at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk A selection of Museums: • Justgiving. Text STEAM followed by your Southampton: Sea-City & Solent Sky donation amount of £5, £10 or £20 to (aviation) -Lee on Solent: - 77085 Gosport: Submarines & Model Boating lake - • Phone Waverley Excursions during office East Cowes: Classic boats - Portsmouth: hours on 0141 243 2224 Historic Dockyard • Cheque by post to Waverley Appeal, WSN Co, 36 Lancefield Quay, Glasgow G3 8HA Members are always welcome, by prior made payable to Waverley Steam arrangement, to visit the CCA archive that is Navigation Co. Ltd housed in premises shared with POOLE • Bank Transfer details are Sort Code 83- MARITIME TRUST on the first floor of 52-00, Account Number 00667400 (RBS) Canford Cliffs Library, Poole. Call: 07718934425 or e-mail: [email protected] Save the WAVERLEY Evening Largs Sailing Club, Largs Marina How to Help WAVERLEY Fri Jan 10 at 1900

Get involved and become a SAVE THE A Presentation encompassing the story of WAVERLEY Supporter! How we can all help in Largs Pier in the 1950’s until 1986. A model of the CCA to spread the word and gather the steamer DUCHESS OF HAMILTON will be support for the Save the WAVERLEY appeal… on display, souvenirs and postcards available for sale. • Tell everyone you know, tell them how to donate! A donation to WSN would be appreciated on • Set up a Supporters Group and hold the night although entry to the event is free. fundraising and awareness raising events Light snacks, teas and coffees will be in your area. Waverley Excursions can available from 1730. help with Banners/Collection Cans/Posters. • Hold your own fundraising event for PS Coastal Cruising Association – WAVERLEY. It could be a coffee morning, Scottish Branch a sponsored walk, ask to collect at your Syllabus 2019 – 2020 local supermarket, a concert, quiz night, dinner party, anything you can think of! Meetings held in Partick Free Church Hall, • Take part in an organised challenge event Thornwood Terr, G11 7QZ. Thursdays at like a 10k or marathon, cycle ride, abseil, 1930 – Doors Open 1830 – Maritime zipslide or overseas challenge and get postcards/publications for sale. Tea, Coffee sponsored to raise funds to Save the and Biscuits available before and after WAVERLEY. meetings (for a donation of £2)

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9 January: Scottish Branch AGM followed by a World Ship Society – Bristol Branch slide show by Tom Hamilton “The Clyde in the Programme – 2019/20 Sixties and Seventies”. Please note earlier start - This meeting will begin at 1900 Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at The Avonmouth Community 25 January: National AGM in the Commodore Centre, 257 Avonmouth Road, Avonmouth, Hotel in Helensburgh with coach and cruise to Bristol BS11 9EN at 7.30 pm unless otherwise Loch Katrine, full details in October’s CM. stated. CCA members always welcome.

6 February: Capt. David Beveridge (retired) - 6th February: From Suez to the Falklands – Former Master with the Scottish Fishery The Royal Navy, 1956 – 1982. Richard Protection Service. (Joint meeting with CSS) Osborne will be continuing his presentation following on from the first part shown in May. 5 March: “In the wake of TS Queen Mary” her life and times with Iain Quinn. (Joint meeting 5th March: Big Ships and Big Rivers. Richard with CSS) Potter will present images taken on cruises visiting the Thames, Seine, Elbe and Weser, 5 April: “ and Hebrides” an plus the Kiel Canal. illustrated talk, by Graeme Dunlop. 2nd April: Captain Askew – Part Two. Jim 18 April: Ship Ahoy Exhibition – Summerlee Charnock from the Manchester Branch will be Museum of Scottish Industrial Life at visiting us again to continue showing slides of Coatbridge. the late Captain Askew’s travels.

Clyde Shiplovers Society 7th May: Experiences with Everards. Peter Celebrating 85 Years Ives was employed in the coasting trades in Syllabus 2019 – 2020 the 1970s. We will be hearing his personal experiences with slide illustrations. Meetings held in Partick Free Church Hall, Thornwood Terr. G11 7QZ. Thursdays at PSPS North of & North 1930 – Doors Open 1830 - Maritime Wales Branch postcards/publications for sale. Tea Coffee Programme of Meetings 2019/2020 and Biscuits available before and after meetings (for a donation of £2) 8 February: “Steamboatin’ USA” with John Allen. This meeting will be at the Seafarers’ 16 January: A presentation by Charles Centre, 20 Crosby Road South, Liverpool L22 McCrossan 1RQ at 1400.

6 February: Capt. David Beveridge (retired) 4 April: “One Year with WAVERLEY”, with Paul Former Master with the Scottish Fishery Semple. This meeting will be held at The Protection Service. (Joint meeting with CCA) Gascoigne Room, Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York. YO24 1AQ 5 March: “In the Wake of the TS Queen Mary” her life and times, by Iain Quinn (Joint CCA Members always welcome meeting with CCA) PSPS Bristol Channel Branch 11 April: Ship Ahoy Exhibition – Summerlee Meetings 2019/2020 Museum of Scottish Industrial Life at Coatbridge. Cardiff meetings are held at the Holiday Inn, Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XD (in the city 16 April: AGM and “Year on the Clyde 2019” centre, almost opposite Cardiff Castle). Bristol with Paul Strathdee. meetings are held on board M.V. BALMORAL at her berth outside the M Shed Museum, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol,

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BS1 4RN. All meetings start at 2.15pm. CCA 10 March: “It Can’t be 20 Years Ago!” with Members Welcome. Adrian Sweeney.

25 January (Bristol): Clevedon Pier. Abbie 14 April: “ to Japan Cruising” with Edbrooke from the Clevedon Pier & Heritage Jimmy Poole. Trust will give an illustrated talk about the history of this beautiful pier and recent 12 May: “Northwards to Scottish Waters”, developments. with John Hooley.

29 February (Cardiff): Life at sea with the 9 June: “The Slides of Eric Askew, Part 3” Line - Will Stoker with Jim Charnock.

21 March (Bristol): Waverley one year on. 14 July: Branch AGM followed by a maritime Paul Semple will bring us up to date with the quiz. latest developments with WAVERLEY, the boiler appeal and plans for the year ahead. West Highland Steamer Club Syllabus 2019/2020 25 April (Cardiff): -Archive film show & AGM. Richard Turner will entertain us with a 31 January. “CMAL-Our Projects, Our Role selection of archive films from the PSPS and Our Future” with Mr Kevin Hobbs, Chief Collection. Some wonderful new material has Executive Officer, Caledonian Maritime Assets come to light over the past year, so this is a Ltd. show not to be missed. 28 February: “Versatile to the Last. The Important Information Regarding PSPS Bristol Careers of Some Former Clyde Ferries in Channel Branch Meetings Hebridean Waters”. Mr Lawrence Macduff.

It is understood that BALMORAL will not be 27 March: Annual General Meeting. “Porthole allowed to return to her usual berth outside M to the Past. A Photographic Journey Down the Shed on Princes Wharf, Bristol, this winter. Clyde from the 1940s to the 1970s”. Mr Gavin Instead she will be remaining at her current Stewart. Please note that the March meeting berth on the Mardyke. This means that all the will commence at 1900. publicity for PSPS Bristol Channel Branch meetings is now wrong! PSPS Bristol Channel All meetings are held in the Kirk Lounge, Branch meetings will still be held on board, Renfield St Stephens Church Hall, 260 Bath but at her berth on the Mardyke Wharf which Street, Glasgow round the corner from is alongside the A4 Hotwells Road in Bristol, Charing Cross Station commencing at 1930. almost opposite the SS GREAT BRITAIN. It Tea and coffee will be served after the AGM. can be reached easily on the Park & ride buses, by ferry from Temple Meads station, or Bristol Shiplovers Society on foot. Meetings for 2019/20 are all on Mondays, World Ship Society Merseyside starting at 8pm, at the Royal British Legion Branch Club, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol, Programme of Presentations 2019/2020 BS14 0QF, and the website is www.bristolshiplovers.co.uk. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Seafarers’ Centre, 20 Crosby 24 February: A Sailors view of the RN and Road South, Liverpool, L22 1RQ at 1900. CCA HMS Ganges – David Markham and Peter Members always welcome. Strickland 9 March: My Time in the Merchant Navy – 14 January: A Maritime DVD Evening. Michael Eavis 23 March: ‘Dan Air’ – Capt Peter Watts 11 February: “A Musical Passage Around the 6 April: Bristol and its Ships Pt 1 – Geoff Clyde” with Iain Quinn. Williams

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20 April: A Beginners Guide to Ship Modelling “Anyone who is engaged with ferry services – Maurice Edwards will be aware of the delayed delivery of 11 May: An Artists View – Pat Shipsides the two dual fuel vessels. We share the 10 June: AGM disappointment of island communities that the revised delivery date has not been met. INDUSTRY NEWS We are acutely aware of the need to boost the resilience of the fleet to provide island

communities with a reliable service. CMAL Explain Throughout the coming year, as Scottish Ministers take ownership of the yard, our In their occasional newsletter CMAL vessels team will remain focused on attempted to explain some of the latest progressing the project towards completion.” developments in Scottish coastal waters:

BALMORAL Progress “We have recently appointed RJ McLeod to carry out upgrade work at Tarbert Ferry On Dec 4 the trustees of the MV BALMORAL Terminal, which comes as part of the £55 Fund gave an update regarding their million Skye Triangle Infrastructure situation and the future of the ship: Programme. We are delighted that the project to make significant improvements to “Our ship is likely to remain here for a while, the ports at Uig, Tarbert and Lochmaddy is (at Mardyke) at least over the winter, not now underway. The appointment of the because we can’t move - the recent contractor for Lochmaddy is due imminently expeditions half a mile west to visit Poole’s and the tender for Uig is currently at Wharf to let THEKLA get tugged out of the Invitation to Tender stage. It will be fantastic Albion dry dock, and our own-powered visit to see all of these projects underway in 2020 to Albion from 19th September, prove that. to support the delivery of the new vessel.

It’s because Prince’s Wharf, outside the We are also pleased to update you on plans MShed and “our” winter berth for many to expand our fleet. The Islay community is years, has recently become occupied by set to benefit from a new ferry which is being LORD NELSON the Sail Training Ship - which designed to service the busy route between is being decommissioned and laid up by her Port Ellen and Kennacraig, satisfying the charity. We spotted her sails being island's growing economic activities. We have removed… In the meantime, a Saturday also completed the purchase of the MV LOCH session to attract volunteers to help us on SEAFORTH, which has become a permanent BALMORAL was set up on 12th October. So member of our fleet after being leased for we will still have some great views as the the last five years. leaves fall - all over the ship … There are

advantages to this location, but it can take a Passengers travelling to and from Lochaline long time to cross Hotwell Road! Ferry Terminal are set to benefit from upgrade work which will result in increased “The purpose (of the recent dry docking)was service resilience. The project will be to get up close and personal, so that the completed in February 2020. A new linkspan marine team could inspect and quantify work deck has recently been installed at Coll, with needed to the hull, rudders and propellers; plans on track to replace Tiree's linkspan in also taking a look at anodes and under-water early 2020. fittings. With the assistance of our “back to

sea” team and Albion Dock’s own experts, In July, we were one of several industry and applying calligraphy to relate the inside partners to take part in a study which to the outside, we now know a lot more assessed the feasibility of using hydrogen about what’s happened to BALMORAL’s produced from local wind farms to power bottom. MCA inspectors were present too. future ferry services in the Western Isles and We stayed an extra few days in order to gain west coast of Scotland. broader ultrasonic testing. Those results are

not yet analysed. Most importantly though,

Page 7 Cruising Monthly January 2020 the amount of doubled plating (“doublers”) is in itself will bring a call for help, please - in far less than was anticipated, and so work assembling information, admin for sending needed to convert these areas to single out potentially to gain grants from HLF and plates, is much less. A great relief! numerous sources, and spreading the word. An enthusiastic Patron would greatly assist This went a long way to prove what we all our publicity. knew, that BALMORAL has a bright and very long operational future ahead of her. Being a “As well as winter, further educational well built ship with traditional engineering opportunities are also approaching. The she is an ultimately sustainable form of MyFutureMyChoice team brings a special sort transport: all parts can be repaired or of imagination to educational opportunities replaced multiple times, not built on the offered by and on BALMORAL, and also modern 'fixed lifespan’ idea. Because of this involve business and other community we are able to keep BALMORAL in operation volunteers as well as our own. If joining in to when most modern counterparts would be help appeals to you, please let us know: it’s well beyond economic repair, one of the amazing to see how just being on a ship reasons that our 1949 vintage floating history prompts and makes sense of all sorts of is such a fascinating and worthwhile project, learning. Eg on 25/26th November even though we know that there is a lot to BALMORAL is expected to represent EMPIRE do and fund to re-gain her passenger WINDRUSH again. Other activities with certificates. BALMORAL’s occupation of the schools are planned. It is also a great benefit dock coincided with the Harbour Heritage to being able to demonstrate so brilliantly weekend. So despite the appalling weather, how important BALMORAL is, in and to, and with BALMORAL leaflets in hand, Bristol and the Floating Harbour. organised visitors to the dry dock benefitted from seeing a demonstrably large and special “Part of the Mardyke wharf challenge is lack ship inside. At least two days were spent of shore power, needed even more now the whilst the dock filled and emptied - the winter is approaching. “Nellie” (ie the historic dry dock relates to water levels in the elephant-sized deck generator) is much over- tidal “New Cut” - ie only 210 years old- to the sized, and now that we are staying longer south; and a period of very high / low tides. than anticipated we need better efficiency. A The Harbourmaster’s boats were an integral kind supporter (ex “Lister apprentice” ) has part of the activity. Seeing the ship going in loaned us Baby Nellie to be a deck generator was splendid; and the movements involved - for lighter use: not new, but cheaper, quieter seeing the historic caisson freed then and cleaner. At present Nellie will still be manoeuvred so it could just be parked out of needed for welding and engineering use, but the way alongside ELLEN for a while - were Baby Nellie’s ideal for domestic duties. This is all fascinating. also a prompt to carry on changing bulbs to LED light fittings and making efficiencies to “New work is also being planned to achieve the ship’s power distribution. required upgradings to the Crew accommodation. The layout and specification “Volunteer-produced leaflets and flyers are for the necessary work is being prepared to available to be disseminated. If you have a bring the ship into line with recently pub, club or office with a notice board and a introduced requirements: the related place to display them and are able to do so, “Grandfather rights” having finally run out. please let us know via the website (note There is steelwork to be added in the same privacy promise) or [email protected] area, so if some of this can be done at the or leave a message on 0117 325 6100. Also if same time it will help with economy of scale. you are willing and able to act as speaker for groups and societies, there are a number of We are seeking to be realistic in raising funds video presentations that can be made to achieve this work, so estimates are being available as visual aids. Help keep alive that carefully obtained and assembled. They will BALMORAL is being preserved in working inform a major fund raising campaign, condition, being used to maintain her place expected to be launched in early 2020. That in Bristol, and that we aspire to sail with

Page 8 Cruising Monthly January 2020 passengers again… As well as Open Days and Arnold Clark and the Swire Charitable Trust a 70th birthday party, this summer have both just confirmed their support taking BALMORAL was home to a 30th anniversary the appeal to its target. Eddie Hawthorne, in Bristol celebration by good neighbours and CEO & Group Managing Director for Arnold Engineering firm Curtins. As well as good PR Clark, made the following statement: “I’m for Balmoral in their celebratory leaflet, delighted that we’re able to contribute Curtins had sponsored the harbour £50,000 towards the restoration of the commentary for the Harbour Festival, WAVERLEY. Arnold Clark understands how together with extra information for the Open significant the ship and its heritage is to Doors weekend, both including BALMORAL. Glasgow and we were keen to help towards the £2.3m fundraising target. I’m looking “The Board of Directors/Trustees of charity forward to seeing the WAVERLEY on her way MV Balmoral Fund Ltd (MVBFL) has recently back ‘Doon the Watter’ soon.’ been strengthened. A Chairman and Vice Chairman have been appointed and some of WAVERLEY’s new boilers are currently being the new trustees you met at the Platinum built by Cochran’s Ltd in Annan and are due Anniversary are experienced and qualified to be completed in February. The work Marine Professionals. required on the ship will involve the removal of the iconic twin funnels to allow access to A PATRON IS ACTIVELY SOUGHT… the boiler room. Waverley Excursions Board of Trustees / Directors comprises: General Manager, Paul Semple, commented, “Thanks to the fantastic generosity of so Alderman: Dr. Douglas Naysmith many people and organisations we are now Acting Chairman: Ross Floyd able to push ‘full ahead’ with WAVERLEY’s Vice Chairman: Terry Sylvester boiler refit which will be the most substantial Safety Management: Cpt. Stephen Colledge refit since her rebuild was completed back in Acting Marine Sup’t: Andy Westmore 2003. I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the appeal and supported our Volunteers / Events: Dave Bassett efforts to save the last seagoing paddle Webmaster: Kieran Henshall steamer in the world.” Donations / News: John Thomas WAVERLEY is owned by a registered charity Other key personnel: and operated on a not-for-profit basis. The recent appeal for cash has been the most Chief Engineer: Tony Byrne successful in the ship’s preservation career Hon. Accountant: Iolo Llewelyn but ongoing support will be required given Acting Hon. Sec.: Maggie Urquhart the annual cost of dry docking and refit. Mr Hon Mem’ship Sec.: Steve Jones Semple further commented “The trustees of President: Nigel Coombes the WAVERLEY charity believe that ongoing charitable giving must now form a greater WAVERLEY Appeal Reaches £2.3 part of WAVERLEY’s long-term operational Million Target survival to ensure she remains in service. We are deeply grateful to all those who have The following statement was issued on Dec helped this year, and in the months and 18: years ahead, will ask those who care and who are able to help, to add WAVERLEY to “The fundraising appeal to save paddle their permanent thoughts.” steamer WAVERLEY has reached its £2.3 million target just seven months after it was WAVERLEY will be moved from Glasgow to announced that the famous steamship would Greenock, under tow in January, where the not operate in 2019. The Boiler Refit Appeal major “open-heart surgery” will take place. has attracted donations from over 8,000 The full works are expected to take around individuals with support from the Paddle four months to complete allowing Waverley Steamer Preservation Society, several trusts to undertake her regular cruises around the and £1 million from the Scottish Government. west of Scotland, the Mersey, Bristol

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Channel, South Coast and the Thames in More Delay for New CalMac Ships 2020. “ It was revealed on Wed Dec 18 that the Captain Cleared delivery date for the new GLEN SANNOX, currently moribund at the now nationalised Captain Ian Drummond has been cleared of Ferguson shipyard at Port Glasgow and any wrongdoing following a collision between intended for the main route to Arran, had a ferry and a 32ft motor cruiser been put back to Oct 2021 and the other on the Solent last year – but is now fighting vessel just about under construction there, to get his job back. and intended for service on the Uig Triangle routes, will not now be ready till 2023. Captain Drummond appeared at Southampton Magistrates Court last month In addition the cost of the two vessels has charged with 2 maritime offences; doubled from £98m to £200m. misconduct of master likely to endanger ships, structures or individuals, and being the NORTHERN ISLES, NORTH & master responsible for conduct of a vessel EAST SCOTLAND contravening the Merchant Shipping Regulations. However, he was found not guilty of both offences on Dec 12. Orkney Islands Council Ferry Services Captain Drummond was in command of RED FALCON – which was carrying 182 Due to a bad weather forecast for Fri Nov 22, passengers and 20 crew – when she was the scheduled sailing to North Ronaldsay was involved in a collision with the motor cruiser cancelled. The North Ronaldsay sailing was PHOENIX off Calshot in September 2018. The rescheduled to sail on Sat Nov 23 departing incident was not discovered until the ferry Kirkwall at 1200. arrived at East Cowes. Meanwhile, PHOENIX was taken to the safety of Cowes Harbour Due to predicted tide heights and expected having suffered damage. A Maritime Accident sea conditions at Tingwall and Wyre piers Investigation Branch report into the collision during the evening of Wed Nov 27 sailings was published in March of this year. were disrupted as follows:

District Judge Anthony Callaway ruled on Dec • The last sailing from Wyre departed at 12 that he was satisfied that Captain 1530. The 1715 and 1840 sailings from Drummond was not to blame for the collision Wyre were cancelled. and kept a proper lookout, using his • The last sailing from Tingwall was the experience to remain seated but maintain an 1605 calling in to Rousay at 1635, Egilsay overall best view. The skipper of the motor at 1655, then returned to Rousay from cruiser, 57-year-old Peter Jackson, has been Egilsay. The service then terminated for given a caution in relation to his actions in the rest of the day. the incident. Mr Jackson is said to have ‘endangered’ those on board both vessels. He Due to adverse weather forecast for Tue Dec was not prosecuted as he is not classed as a 10 the scheduled 0740 Kirkwall-Sanday- professional master. Eday-Kirkwall and 1520 sailing Kirkwall- Sanday-Eday-Kirkwall were cancelled. In RED FUNNEL has dismissed Captain addition the 0745 and 1000 sailings from Drummond from his role at the company, but Stromness to Moaness were cancelled. he is hoping for reinstatement at an However the Stromness to Graemsay sailing employment tribunal in February 2020. was unaffected. Captain Drummond is said to have crossed the Solent more than 6,000 times without Meanwhile the scheduled 1600 sailing incident. Kirkwall/Stronsay/Kirkwall was brought forward to 1400 and did not overnight in Stronsay but returned to Kirkwall arriving

Page 10 Cruising Monthly January 2020 back at 1730. The scheduled 1605 sailing Pentland Ferries from Tingwall was the final sailing for the day and the service terminated in Rousay. Due to bad weather, the early morning round trip on Sun Dec 8, between St. Margaret’s On Wed Dec 11 sailings to Shapinsay were Hope and Gills Bay was cancelled. The rest of suspended for the day. In addition the 1500 the day’s planned sailings however went sailing Kirkwall-Eday-Stronsay-Kirkwall was ahead as per timetable. On Mon Dec 9 it was cancelled as were the 1520 Kirkwall-Sanday- a similar scenario to the previous day with Kirkwall and the 1620 Kirkwall-Westray- the 0745 sailing ex St. Margaret’s Hope and Kirkwall services. The last sailing on the the 0930 ex Gills Bay being called off due to Tingwall-Rousay-Egilsay-Wyre service was the weather. the 1605 sailing from Tingwall. The service then terminated for the rest of the day on The weather was worse on Tues Dec 10 and arrival at Rousay at 1635. all scheduled sailings were cancelled. However an extra sailing was provided during Due to an unfavourable weather forecast and a bit of a weather window at 1300 ex St. swell conditions for Fri Dec 20, the scheduled Margaret’s Hope, returning from Gills Bay at sailing to North Ronaldsay was cancelled. It 1445. was rescheduled to sail on Sat Dec 21 departing Kirkwall at 1100. All sailings were called off on Wed Dec 11 due to the severe weather. Bad weather disrupted some sailings on Fri Dec 27. The 1045 sailing Kirkwall//Papa Between Mon Dec 16 and Thurs Dec 19 Westray/Kirkwall has been cancelled and the inclusive, it was noted that PENTALINA 1315 sailing Rousay to Egilsay and the 1335 replaced new vessel ALFRED on the St. departure from Egilsay were also called off. Margaret’s Hope – Gills Bay service. This was in order to be able to renew PENTALINA’s Due to prevailing and forecasted weather certificates and to carry out some essential conditions, the North Ronaldsay sailing maintenance on ALFRED. scheduled for Sat Dec 28 was cancelled. It was a similar situation on Sun Dec 29 so the NORTH EAST, EAST MIDLANDS, next scheduled sailing on the route was on Sat Jan 4. EAST ANGLIA, KENT, ESSEX & THAMES Northlink Shields Ferry Bad weather on Wed Dec 4 resulted in the freight sailing by HELLIAR ex Aberdeen for After not running for over six weeks due to Lerwick at 1800 being cancelled. structural damage sustained at the North On Tues Dec 10 the 1900 sailing by Shields Ferry Landing Stage, service resumed HROSSEY ex Lerwick for Aberdeen via at 0645 on Sat Dec 21. Kirkwall was cancelled due to bad weather. Thames Clippers The freight only sailing by HELLIAR ex Aberdeen at 1700 for Kirkwall and Lerwick On Fri Nov 22 the 0750 RB6 Service from was cancelled as was the sailing by Plantation Wharf to Canary Wharf was part HILDASAY in the opposite direction. All cancelled between Plantation Wharf and sailings by HAMNAVOE on the Pentland Firth Cadogan due to an operational issue. To try route (Stromness – Scrabster) on Wed Dec and alleviate some of the inconvenience of 11 were cancelled due to bad weather. this the 0740 RB6 Service from Putney to HJALTLAND’s sailing, ex Aberdeen to Kirkwall Canary Wharf did additional stops at and Lerwick at 1900 was cancelled as were Plantation Wharf and Chelsea Harbour. the freight only sailings in both directions by Passengers wanting to disembark at Piers HILDASAY and HELLIAR. between Cadogan and Embankment were advised to interchange at Cagodan.

Page 11 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Woolwich Ferry Meanwhile, again due to bad weather, the sailing on Dec 8 at 2000 between Portsmouth Due to staff shortages, there was no service and St. Malo was diverted to Cherbourg on either Sat Dec 7 or Sun Dec 8. which meant the return sailing the next day departed Cherbourg at 1330. Meanwhile French Harbour strikes were adding to the disruption mix and the 2130 P&O Ferries Portsmouth – Le Havre sailing on Dec 9 and the 1700 in the opposite direction on Dec 10 Industrial action in on Dec 5/6 were both cancelled. resulted in delays to many sailings between and . At least one, at 0630 ex In addition due to the weather the Cherbourg Dover on Dec 6 was cancelled. to Poole sailing on Dec 8 at 1830 and Cherbourg to Poole the next day at 0830 Technical difficulties on Thurs Dec 12 both bit the dust as did the 2200 sailing resulted in the cancellation of the 1100 and between Plymouth and Roscoff on Dec 8. 1530 sailings ex Dover and the 1410 and In addition on Dec 9 the Cork – Santander 1840 sailings ex Calais. sailing at 2230 was called off due to the weather. On Dec 10 the 0845 Portsmouth to The Portsmouth to Le Havre sailing at 2330 Santander sailing was cancelled due to bad on Thurs Nov 28 was cancelled due to severe weather as was the 1715 sailing the next day weather. in the opposite direction. On the Le Havre – Portsmouth route strike action in France Due to severe weather the following sailings caused the cancellation of the 1700 sailing ex were cancelled on the Portsmouth –Le Havre Le Havre as well as two cancellations on route: Thurs Dec 12, the 0945 ex Portsmouth and the 2300 ex Le Havre. It was bad weather on • Nov 27 Portsmouth to Le Havre 1430 Dec 10 which put paid to the 0845 • Nov 27 Le Havre to Portsmouth 2300 Portsmouth to Santander sailing as well as • Nov 28 Portsmouth to Le Havre 2330 the 1715 sailing the next day in the opposite • Nov 29 Le Havre to Portsmouth 2200 direction.

Due to French industrial action some sailings Strike action in France put paid to the 2015 were cancelled on De 4 /5. These included: sailing between St. Malo and Portsmouth on Dec 11 and on Dec 12 the return sailing at • Portsmouth – St. Malo at 2035 on Dec 4 2030. In addition on Dec 11 the Santander – • St. Malo – Portsmouth at 2030 on Dec 5 Portsmouth sailing at 1715 bit the dust as • Portsmouth – Le Havre at 0945 on Dec 5 the weather continued to be unpleasant. • Le Havre – Portsmouth at 2300 on Dec 5. Gales resulted in the cancellation of the Poole Due to adverse weather the 2200 sailing to Cherbourg sailing at 0830 on Dec 12 and between Plymouth and Roscoff on Sun Dec 8 the 0830 sailing back again on Dec 13. and the return the next day at 2200 were The sailing on Dec 12 ex Bilbao to both cancelled. In addition on Sun Dec 8 and Portsmouth at 1900 also fell victim to the Mon Dec 9 the following sailings were weather. It was rescheduled for Sat Dec 14 cancelled between Portsmouth and Caen: at 1100. On the Cork to Santander route the sailing at 1500 ex Santander on Dec 12 • Portsmouth to Caen at 2245 on Dec 8 together with the sailing ex Cork on Fri Dec • Caen to Portsmouth at 2300 on Dec 8 13 at 2230 were both cancelled due to • Portsmouth to Caen at 0815 on Dec 9 adverse weather. • Caen to Portsmouth at 0830 on Dec 9

Page 12 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Gales from Dec 12 put paid to a number of • ARMORIQUE (Roscoff) - Resumed service: sailings on the Portsmouth –Le Havre route. Dec 26 Cancelled sailings included Dec 13 • BAIE DE SEINE (Bilbao) - Resumed Portsmouth – Le Havre at 2300, Le Havre – service: Dec 26 Portsmouth on Dec 14 at 1700 plus the • BARFLEUR (At Sea) - Resumed service: sailing in the opposite direction at 2330 and Jan 2nd the 1415 sailing ex Le Havre at 1415. The • BORE BAY (Bilbao) - Returning to owners, Plymouth – Roscoff sailing on Dec 13 at 1415 Bore LTD on Jan 2 fell victim to bad weather as did the sailing at • BRETAGNE (Le Havre) - Resumed service: 2200 back again. Dec 29 • CAP FINISTERE (Portsmouth Anchorage) - The Poole to Cherbourg routes were also Resumed service: Dec 27 badly affected by adverse weather between • CONNEMARA (Cherbourg) - Resumed Dec 13 and 15. Sailings cancelled on this service: Dec 26 route were Poole to Cherbourg at 0830 and • ETRETAT (Le Havre) - Resumed service: return at 2145 on Dec 13, Cherbourg to Dec 26 Poole at 1830 on Dec 14 and Poole to • KERRY (Ringsakiddy) - Resumed service: Cherbourg at 1000 on Dec 15. Dec 27 • NORMANDIE (Ouistreham) - Resumed Further industrial action in France resulted in service: Dec 26 the 2130 Portsmouth to Le Havre sailing on • NORMANDIE EXPRESS (Le Havre) - Mon Dec 16 and the 1700 sailing in the Resumes service: April 30 opposite direction on Dec 17 being cancelled. • MONT ST MICHEL (Le Havre) - Resumed Once again due to French industrial action service: Dec 26 the sailing ex Portsmouth at 0945 to Le • MN PELICAN (Gibraltar) - Resumed Havre on Thurs Dec 19 was cancelled. service: on Jan 2 • PONT-AVEN ( - Christmas Cruise) Bad weather banjaxed the 2200 Plymouth to Roscoff sailing on Sat Dec 21 and the return The fleet also remained at the same port for the next day at 1330. New Year, with the exception of BAIE DE SEINE (Santander), BRETAGNE (St Malo), On Sun Dec 22 the sailing by CAPE CAP FINISTERE (Bilbao), ETRETAT FINISTERE ex Portsmouth – Bilbao at 2230 (Portsmouth), PONT-AVEN (Rouen) was cancelled due to poor weather which also resulted in the sailing back after Due to a Dockers’ strike in the port of Le Christmas on Boxing Day at 1530 also being Havre the sailing at 2045 on Sun Dec 29 called off. It was a similar situation on the from Portsmouth and the return the next day sailings to Santander. On Dec 21 the 0845 ex at 1500 were both cancelled. Portsmouth was pulled resulting in, of course, the cancellation of the sailing ex Santander at SOUTH COAST AND CHANNEL 1715 the next day. In addition the route to Santander from Ireland was also affected by ISLANDS the bad weather. The Cork – Santander sailing at 2230 on Fri Dec 20 didn’t happen, Condor Ferries neither did the sailing ex Santander at 1200 on Sun Dec 22. Following a review of the weather forecast, weather conditions for Mon Nov 25 Due to poor weather on Boxing Day and Dec deteriorated more than expected. As a result, 27 the Portsmouth – Le Havre service at it was necessary for CONDOR RAPIDE’s 2045 and the return sailing at 2200 (Dec 27) services from St Malo to Jersey, Guernsey were both cancelled. and Poole to be moved forward to Sun Nov 24. Due to this change the evening service The fleet layover arrangements over the from St Malo to Jersey and return for Sun Christmas and New Year period was as Nov 24 was also rescheduled. follows:

Page 13 Cruising Monthly January 2020

On Fri Dec 6 sailings by CONDOR also both sailing rotations by CONDOR LIBERATION (just back from refit) between RAPIDE ex St. Malo to the Channel Islands. Poole and the Channel Islands were cancelled due to inclement weather. She did an extra Sailings by CONDOR LIBERATION on Mon sailing rotation the next day to make up for Dec 23 were also cancelled due to bad the cancellation. weather. In addition although CONDOR RAPIDE did sail from St. Malo the Jersey – Sun Dec 8 saw further disruption due to bad Guernsey leg was cancelled due to weather. weather. COMMODORE CLIPPER’s 0900 sailing ex Portsmouth to the Channel Islands On Fri Dec 27 the internal ramp on and return were cancelled. CONDOR COMMODORE CLIPPER failed, which resulted RAPIDE’s evening sailing ex St. Malo to in her sailings between Portsmouth and the Jersey and Guernsey was brought forward to Channel Islands being cancelled for the day. a morning departure at 0730 (should have The ramp was not fixed quickly which been 1705). resulted in sailings being cancelled on Dec 29/30/31 and Jan 2/3/4 as well. Freight only On Mon Dec 9 sailings by both CONDOR services were taken up by ARROW from LIBERATION ex Poole and CONDOR RAPIDE Thurs Jan 2 which had spent the Christmas ex St. Malo were all cancelled due to bad period at Larne. weather. In addition the sailing by COMMODORE CLIPPER at 0900 ex Wightlink Portsmouth sailed to Guernsey only and back, the call at Jersey being abandoned due Due to “essential crew training” some of to deteriorating weather. This happened WIGHT SKY’s sailings from Lymington to again the next day, Tues Dec 10. Yarmouth and return were cancelled on Nov 26. Other sailings by WIGHT LIGHT were On Wed Dec 11 COMMODORE CLIPPER, due cancelled due to high winds. to weather conditions, sailed ex Poole to Jersey first, only calling at Guernsey on the The 0640, 0740, 0840 and 1845 return return leg of the voyage back to Poole. sailings from Portsmouth to were cancelled on Nov 29 due to yet another Bad weather from Thurs Dec 12 decimated “sickness of an essential member of crew” the Company’s services on all routes. All of case. In the event, the 1640 and 1740 CONDOR LIBERATION’s sailings between return sailings were also cancelled due to a Poole and the Channel Islands were cancelled defect on WIGHT RYDER II. on Dec 13 and Sat Dec 14. Sailings by COMMODORE CLIPPER between Portsmouth In connection with the Portsmouth Historic and the Channel Islands were all cancelled on Dockyard Victorian Christmas Festival, Dec 12 and Dec 13 whilst sailings by additional crossings were given from Ryde to CONDOR RAPIDE between St. Malo and the Portsmouth at 0910, 1010, 1110, 1710 and Channel Islands were cancelled on Fri Dec 13 1810 and at 0940, 1040, 1140, 1640, 1740 and on Sat Dec 14 the morning sailing and 1840 on both Nov 30 and Dec 1. These rotation was cancelled. were operated by ALI CAT OF COWES, on charter from Solent & Wightline Cruises. Due to strong winds in the vicinity of the Unfortunately, high winds caused the 1110 Channel Islands on Thurs Dec 19 the sailing from Ryde and 1140 from Portsmouth to be ex Poole by CONDOR LIBERATION was cancelled on Nov 30. The same spell of bad cancelled. In addition it was necessary for weather also saw WIGHT LIGHT miss her COMMODORE CLIPPER to call at Jersey first crossings at 1605 from Lymington and 1715 only calling at Guernsey on the way back to return from Yarmouth. Portsmouth. Both of WIGHT SUN’s scheduled crossings at Bad weather on Sun Dec 22 resulted in the 0630 and 0830 from Portsmouth and 0730 cancellation of CONDOR LIBERATION’s sailing and 1030 from Fishbourne were cancelled on rotation ex Poole to Guernsey/ Jersey and Dec 5/6, again due to staff sickness.

Page 14 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Continuing strong winds in the Solent meant from Fishbourne. WIGHT SKY Resumed from that WIGHT LIGHT remained off service on Lymington at 1400 but WIGHT LIGHT Dec 6 with her 0640, 0845, 1050 and 1255 remained off and her return crossings from return sailings from Lymington to Yarmouth Lymington at 1500 and 1700 were cancelled. all cancelled. WIGHT SKY maintained a roughly two hourly service in her absence. In anticipation of further wild weather and in order to undertake some “essential Strong winds again led to WIGHT LIGHT’s maintenance”, all of WIGHT LIGHT’s sailings return sailings from Lymington at 1215, 1415 from Lymington were cancelled on both Dec and 1615 being cancelled on Dec 8 and at 13/14, leaving WIGHT SKY to provide a two 0640, 0845, 1100, 1300 and 1500 the hourly service on the Lymington-Yarmouth following day. route.

Continuing winds led to all WIGHT LIGHT’s WIGHT SUN’s advertised sailings from sailings being cancelled on Dec 10. That Portsmouth to Fishbourne were cancelled on afternoon, the weather had deteriorated to Dec 16/17/18/19 to allow for “the the extent that WIGHT SKY was also stood repositioning of ships” while, on Dec 17, down after working the 1505 crossing from WIGHT SKYs return sailings from Lymington Yarmouth. The service resumed again when at 0640, 0845 and 1100 were cancelled in she departed from Lymington with the 1915 advance because of staff sickness. crossing but running roughly 90 minutes late. On the same day, Wightlink also provided a Also on Dec 17, ST FAITH returned from an very restricted service between Portsmouth extended refit period at Dunkirk and berthed and Fishbourne. Firstly, WIGHT SUN did not in the Eastern Docks at Southampton. Two provide her two booked round trips and then, days later, all WIGHT LIGHT’s morning return later in the day, VICTORIA OF WIGHT had to sailings from Lymington were cancelled to be taken off service with a defect. This enable the vessel to sail light to Portsmouth resulted in her return crossings from where the crew changed over onto WIGHT Portsmouth at 1300, 1500, 1700 and 1900 SUN which left at about 1100 for the voyage being cancelled. Once her own rostered back and entered service from Yarmouth sailings for the day had been completed, ST with the 1405 crossing to Lymington. CLARE took over the No. 1 roster with a However, she did not take her 1915 crossing slightly delayed 2200 departure from from Lymington which was covered, late, by Portsmouth. ST CLARE remained on the WIGHT SKY which also took the final main roster overnight and into the morning departure of the day at 2105. of Dec 11 but, with VICTORIA OF WIGHT not yet repaired, the 0600, 0800 and 1000 return Although now at Portsmouth, WIGHT LIGHT sailings to Fishbourne were cancelled. did not take up the No. 3 roster on the morning of Dec 20 and her two scheduled WIGHT SUN didn’t make her two scheduled return crossings to Fishbourne were round trips from Portsmouth to Fishbourne cancelled. on Dec 12 due to yet another bout of “essential” staff sickness! WIGHT LIGHT entered service on Portsmouth-Fishbourne route on Mon Dec Bad weather on Dec 13 led to cancellation of 23. sailings on both the Portsmouth and Lymington routes. The service was Yet again the sickness of a crew member completely suspended for a time from resulted in the cancellation of the 0600 Lymington while, at Portsmouth, WIGHT SUN sailing ex Portsmouth and the 0700 ex did not sail at all while VICTORIA OF WIGHT, Fishbourne on Fri Dec 27. which had re-entered service the previous day at 1200 but on reduced power and was Red Funnel still acting as No. 2 ship, did not give her 1000 and 1200 crossings from Portsmouth Problems with RED JET 7 saw some crossings together with the 1100 and 1300 returns cancelled between Southampton and West

Page 15 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Cowes around lunchtime on Nov 23. The Bad weather then led to suspension of craft then resumed but further problems led services for much of the morning on Dec 12 to the cancellation of the round trips to West but they resumed with the 1215 crossing Cowes from Southampton at both 1715 and from Ryde. 1815. More bad weather resulted in the service Having been at Falmouth since Nov 18, RED again being suspended between 1115 and EAGLE left there under tow on the afternoon 1515 on Dec 14. of Dec 4 and arrived back at Southampton the following morning. Due to deteriorating weather, services were suspended for the day from the early evening Due to high winds, RED JET sailings were period on Sat Dec 21. cancelled for several hours on Dec 6 but resumed mid afternoon. Cowes Chain Ferry

The 2245 Red Jet from Southampton to West FLOATING BRIDGE No. 6 developed a fault Cowes was cancelled on Dec 7 due to high and had to be taken out of service late on winds. the evening of Nov 27. The problem was unable to be fixed over night and the usual RED JET 7 was off with technical problems on passenger only service was provided the Dec 9, resulting in only an hourly service following morning by one of Solent & being provided, by , during the Wightline Cruises’ vessels. morning peak period. On the same day, RED JET 6, which had been out of service for Blue Funnel Cruises, many weeks, left Southampton under tow by Southampton/Solent & Wightline the tugs WYETOW and WYEPUSH at about Cruises 0820 and berthed at the yard of Wight Shipbuilders in East Cowes a little over two Strong winds on Tues Dec 10 led to the hours later. cancellation of the Portsmouth Harbour cruises that would have been operated by RED JET 7’s crossing at 0815 from either ALI CAT OF COWES or SOLENT CAT. Southampton to West Cowes and 0845 return was cancelled on Dec 14. RED OSPREY was Bournemouth - Swanage Motor scheduled to provide the only link between Road & Ferry Co. the mainland and the Isle of Wight on

Christmas Day with crossings from BRAMBLE BUSH BAY was out of service for Southampton at 0900 and 1200, returning an hour from 1300 onwards on Nov 28 to from East Cowes at 1030 and 1330. allow for its CO2 Fire Fighting Equipment to

be serviced. The Company also added 18 extra daily crossings (9 each way) on its Hi-Speed foot Crossings were again suspended from passenger Red Jet service between West midday for a little over an hour on Nov 30 Cowes and Southampton on every Sunday due to an exceptionally high tide. leading up to Christmas.

Gales along the south coast resulted in the service being suspended for the rest of the

evening after the 2050 crossing from Services were suspended between 1215 and Studland on Dec 8. The ferry resumed 1715 on Nov 30 due to high winds. crossing at 0750 the following morning after

conditions had eased. Overnight gales resulted in there being no service on Dec 9 until the 1515 departure The service had to be suspended again for a from Ryde to . The service was time on the morning of Sat Dec 14 due to suspended again from 0815 the following further rough weather. morning.

Page 16 Cruising Monthly January 2020

WEST COUNTRY 1310 and 2345 and ex Rosslare at 1810 were called off.

Cornwall Ferries Bad weather on Thurs Dec 5 resulted in the cancellation of sailings ex Fishguard at 1310 MAY QUEEN, St Mawes summer ferry that and 2345 and ex Rosslare at 1810. (STENA has plied the waters between Falmouth and EUROPE) St Mawes for the past 40 years is up for sale along with the Trelissick ferry KINGSLEY II as Inclement conditions on the Irish Sea on Sat market forces dictate a change of direction Dec 7 resulted in the cancellation of the 2345 for Cornwall Ferries Ltd. sailing by STENA EUROPE ex Fishguard to Rosslare and the 0800 the next day back to General manager, Caroline Harvey, said: Wales. “Cornwall Ferries Ltd, which operates

Enterprise Boats, St Mawes Ferry and the On Sun Dec 8, again due to bad weather, all Place Ferry, is withdrawing several services in sailings on the Fishguard – Rosslare route the 2020 season as a result of market were cancelled. changes. This will result in the retirement and sale of two vessels and a number of job Bad weather continued on Mon Dec 9 and losses to adapt to the new circumstances.” the 0800 sailing ex Rosslare and the 2345 sailing ex Fishguard were both cancelled as KINGSLEY II, which introduced the green was the 0800 sailing ex Rosslare on Tues Dec hybrid engine ‘silent running’ service this year 10. running between St Mawes and Trelissick, is The weather also resulted in the cancellation also in jeopardy as the research programme of the 0230 sailing ex Holyhead to Dublin and which supported this highly innovative green the 0810 ex Dublin back to Wales. (STENA vessel operating on the River Fal has now ADVENTURER) come to an end. All sailings by STENA EUROPE on Tues Dec MAY QUEEN, whose 80th birthday and 40th 10 between Fishguard and Rosslare were anniversary of operating between Custom cancelled because of bad weather. House quay and St Mawes was celebrated this year, is being retired from the present On Thurs Dec 12 the 2345 sailing ex fleet and sold. Caroline said: “We are Fishguard to Rosslare was cancelled due to reviewing the size and scale of our fleet in adverse weather in the Irish Sea. the light of the changes announced here. So, we are looking for new owners for this Further disruption occurred on Fri Dec 13 on historic vessel. To ensure the long-term the Fishguard to Rosslare route, both sailing future and prosperity of boat trips and ferry rotations by STENA EUROPE being cancelled services on the River Fal, it has been due to bad weather. necessary to ensure the company is on a sustainable footing.” The weather deteriorated once again on Wed

Dec 18 resulting in the cancellation of the ST.GEORGE’S CHANNEL, IRISH 1310 sailing from Fishguard and the 1810 SEA, ISLE OF MAN, NORTH return from Rosslare by STENA EUROPE. WALES, MERSEY, LAKES & On Sun Dec 22 new vessel STENA ESTRID NORTH CHANNEL arrived in Dublin at the end of her delivery voyage from China. She is due to enter

service on the Holyhead – Dublin route, replacing STENA SUPERFAST X.

On Tues Nov 26 due to severe weather the STENA ESTRID arrived at Holyhead on Mon sailings by STENA EUROPE ex Fishguard at Dec 23 for berthing trials.

Page 17 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Irish Ferries the 02454 sailing the next day also biting the dust. Due to rough seas on Tues Nov 26 the sailings by ISLE OF INISHMORE ex Isle of Man Steam Packet Pembroke at 1445 and ex Rosslare at Company 2045 were cancelled. Due to severe weather in the Irish Sea on Due to an annual EU inspection of ISLE Sun Dec 8 the sailing by BEN-MY-CHREE at OF INISHMORE on Mon Dec 2 the sailings 1945 ex Douglas and 0215 (Dec 9) ex ex Rosslare at 0845 and ex Pembroke at Heysham were both cancelled. 1445 were cancelled. On Mon Dec 9 the evening sailing rotation ex A spell of bad weather starting late on Sat Douglas to Heysham departed early at 1900 Dec 7 resulted in the cancellation of the instead of 1945 and came back from 2045 sailing ex Rosslare to Pembroke by Heysham early at 0030 in an attempt to get ISLE OF INISHMORE and the cancellation ahead of further incoming bad weather. of all sailings on the route on Sun Dec 8. However poor weather continued on Tues The gales continued on Mon Dec 9, Dec 10 resulting in the cancellation of the resulting in the cancellation of the 0200 0845 sailing ex Douglas by BEN-MY-CHREE sailing ex Dublin by WB YEATS together and the return from Heysham at 1415. with the 0815 return from Holyhead. In addition the 0245 sailing ex Pembroke Once again bad weather resulted in the to Rosslare by ISLE OF INISHMORE and cancellation of the morning sailing to the sailing ex Rosslare at 2045 were also Heysham of BEN-MY-CHREE and of course called off as the weather continued to be the afternoon return to Douglas on Sat Dec unpleasant. The next day, Tues Dec 10 all 14. sailings by ISLE OF INISHMORE were called off except the 2045 sailing ex Windermere Lake Cruises Rosslare which departed early at 2000. New vessel SWIFT, being constructed at Due to gales on Thurs Dec 12 the 2045 Lakeside, was lifted into the water for the sailing ex Rosslare to Pembroke by ISLE first time on Wed Dec 11. OF INISHMORE was cancelled. Gales continued on Fri Dec 13, resulting in the Mersey Ferries cancellation of sailings ex Rosslare at 0845 and ex Pembroke at 0245 and 1445. After a work barge broke free from the 12 Quays berth during a stormy night on Tues All sailings by ISLE OF INISHMORE Mon Dec 10 and drifted across the river to collide the Rosslare – Pembroke service were with the Mersey Ferry Landing Stage at cancelled on Sun Dec 15 due to gales in Liverpool, all ferry operations were the Irish Sea. As a result of the above suspended for the day on Wed Dec 11. cancellations on Mon Dec 16 the 0245 Damage had been caused to the passenger sailing ex Pembroke was cancelled as the linkspan walkway. The barge was eventually ship wasn’t there! brought under control down river, by the Langton Lock entrance. The weather was poor again on Wed Dec 18 resulting in the cancellation of the 0845 sailing ex Rosslare and the 1445 ex WEST AND NORTH WEST Pembroke by ISLE OF INISHMORE. SCOTLAND

The 2045 sailing ex Rosslare by ISLE OF Caledonian MacBrayne INISHMORE on Sun Dec 22 was cancelled due to adverse weather. This resulted in On Fri Nov 22 the – Dunoon service didn’t know if it was coming or going. From

Page 18 Cruising Monthly January 2020 first thing it was a one boat service as the In addition the overnight freight service weather was deemed to be too bad for ALI between Stornoway and Ullapool was CAT to operate but then a two vessel service cancelled as the weather failed to improve. resumed with the 0820 sailing from Gourock only to go back to ARGYLL FLYER only after The 0730 sailing ex Lochmaddy on Thurs Nov 1000. 28 was cancelled and the service resumed at 0940 ex Uig. This was because HEBRIDES Fun and games at Gourock once more, on had spent the night at Uig, not Lochmaddy. Sat Nov 23. The 0750 sailing ex Dunoon was Meanwhile ISLE OF MULL arrived on the cancelled as the weather had turned nasty Mersey and proceeded straight to drydock at and the service once more had gone down to Cammell Laird’s at 1005. one vessel only (ARGYLL FLYER). At 0900 however all sailings were suspended until The delay in getting HEBRIDEAN ISLES back 1520 when it was deemed breezeless enough into service caused some disruption on Sat for both vessels to venture out again and Nov 30. The Oban – Coll/Tiree sailing was normal service was restored. delayed, there was an amended timetable on the Oban – Colonsay service which did not It was noted on Sun Nov 24 that HEBRIDEAN go on to Port Askaig and Kennacraig which ISLES was late back from her refit which had a knock on effect of causing the 1800 resulted in FINLAGGAN continuing solo on sailing ex Port Askaig to Kennacraig being sailings to Islay. In addition it although LORD cancelled. OF THE ISLES had arrived in Mallaig late on Nov 23, ISLE OF ARRAN continued on the On Mon Dec 2 ARGYLE had a technical failure Lochboisdale service but of course to Oban, during the morning resulting in the 1000 not Mallaig, as she is unable to operate from sailing ex Rothesay and the 1105 from the latter. Meanwhile on the Gallanach – Wemyss Bay being cancelled. Kerrera service, as the day before, CARVORIA was operating passenger only due A rare bit of good news … normal service to a fault with her ramp. resumed on the Lochaline – Fishnish route after the rebuilding of the berth at Lochaline. On the Sound of Harris service on Mon Nov 25 sailings were cancelled for the day after Due to sea conditions and a poor overnight 1345 due to a medical emergency involving forecast on Tues Dec 3 CALEDONIAN ISLES one of the crew members. berthed overnight in Brodick. As a result there was an additional 2030 departure from Meanwhile on the Clyde HEBRIDEAN ISLES Ardrossan. Unfortunately for anyone hoping was out on trials after her annual refit at to get the 0700 sailing from Ardrossan on Garvel, Greenock but unfortunately broke Wed Dec 4 was due to be disappointed as it down just south of Bute around 1730. Clyde was cancelled – as it always is under these Marine’s tugs BRUISER and BATTLER were circumstances. In addition from 1920 the required to give assistance and shepherd the Gourock – Dunoon service went down to a vessel back to Greenock. Reports later one boat operation due to the weather for suggested that it was a rudder failure. the rest of the day.

It was noted that HEBRIDEAN ISLES made It started to get a little breezy on Wed Dec 4 her way to Troon, with tug assistance, on which inevitably resulted in some disruption Wed Nov 27. She was to enter drydock for to services. repairs to her rudder. CORUISK, which was only halfway through her refit, had to be The – Oban sailings (ISLE OF taken out of the drydock to make way for LEWIS) and the Lochboisdale – Mallaig HEBRIDEAN ISLES. In addition adverse sailings (LORD OF THE ISLES) were all weather had an effect on services on Wed cancelled for the day. At Iona the 0700 Nov 27. Although LORD OF THE ISLES sailed sailing was called off (LOCH BUIE) and on from Lochboisdale, albeit late, her return the Small Isles service from Mallaig from Mallaig at 1130was cancelled. (LOCHNEVIS) the call at Muck was

Page 19 Cruising Monthly January 2020 abandoned and there was only one call at Sat Dec 7 saw a mixture of weather, Eigg. Later in the day the 1600 sailing ex technical and operational disruptions. Mallaig to Armadale and the return at 1645 also bit the dust. Meanwhile as the weather The Oban – Colonsay- Port Askaig – got trickier the 1600 sailing ex Tarbert to Uig Kennacraig service never really had a chance (HEBRIDES) was also cancelled. As the as the weather was bad and HEBRIDEAN previous day there was an extra sailing ex ISLES was still ensconced in the drydock at Ardrossan at 2030 as CALEDONIAN ISLES Troon. berthed at Brodick overnight. On the Mallaig – Armadale service the Severe weather on Thurs Dec 5 once again morning round trip was cancelled because of disrupted many services. These included: operational reasons (LOCHNEVIS sailing early Cancelled for the day were Oban – Coll/Tiree, to the Small Isles) and the late afternoon Castlebay – Oban, Iona – Fionnphort, Mallaig rotation was cancelled due to the weather. – Armadale, Mallaig – Small Isles and the LORD OF THE ISLES sailed early ex Sound of sailings. On the main route to Lochboisdale to Mallaig and returned Rothesay from Wemyss Bay sailings were immediately she had loaded for the return at suspended till 0800 but nevertheless the just after 1030. As stated LOCHNEVIS was 1105 sailing ex Wemyss Bay turned out to be back on the Small Isles service but LARVEN the last of the day. On the Ardrossan – still did a pax only sailing to Rhum and back Brodick service CALEDONIAN ISLES struggled at 0930. through till 1300 when all sailings were suspended for the day and the ship Sailings to Iona from Fionnphort ceased after overnighted once again at Brodick. Early on 1445 due to the weather and the late 2145 at Gourock there was a one boat service to sailing ex Oban to Craignure was also pulled Dunoon until 1150 when all sailings were as the weather worsened. abandoned for the day. Strong winds continued through Sun Dec 8. At Oban the Gallanach – Kerrera service Services cancelled completely for the day never got started and sailings to Gigha from included Castlebay – Oban, Oban – Tayinloan were abandoned after 1300. At Coll/Tiree, Mallaig – Armadale, Mallaig – Tarbert all sailings were cancelled to Small Isles, Lochboisdale – Mallaig, Sound of Portavadie after 1545 and on the service ex Barra, Gallanach – Kerrera, Tarbert (Loch Tarbert to Lochranza and back the vessel was Fyne) – Lochranza, Tarbert – Portavadie and unable to berth at Arran and so turned back Tayinloan – Gigha. thus banjaxing the 1345 ex Lochranza. It appears there was one round trip only On the Sound of Harris route the 0830 ex between Tobermory and Kilchoan and that Berneray and the return ex Leverburgh at was at 1600 ex Mull. 0935 were called off and on the Islay routes the 1800 sailing ex Kennacraig was Anyone turning up for the 0700 ex Ardrossan cancelled. Up at Oban the sailing at 0900 ex sailing to Brodick on Fri Dec 6 would once Oban to Lismore and the return at 1000 again be disappointed as it was cancelled due didn’t happen. The overnight freight only to, once again, CALEDONIAN ISLES berthing service between Stornoway and Ullapool was at Brodick overnight. cancelled.

Up at Mallaig LOCHNEVIS had failed and all At Ardrossan CALEDONIAN ISLES managed her sailings were cancelled for the day one round trip only ex Brodick at 1105 but between Mallaig and the Small Isles and to after that all sailings were cancelled and the Armadale on Skye. However the Company did vessel once again overnighted at Arran. manage to charter the small passenger only vessel LARVEN to sail to Eigg only and back Sailings between Rothesay and Wemyss Bay at 1010. were suspended for much of the day with the option to divert to Gourock not being possible due to the strength of the wind and

Page 20 Cruising Monthly January 2020 its direction. Diversion to Gourock would only Sailings on the routes to Islay were have been for foot passengers as the suspended after 0900 but resumed with linkspan there was once again under repair. FINLAGGAN ex Port Askaig at 1530. On the BUTE did manage to operate one round trip Sound of Barra there was one sailing only, 0800 ex Rothesay returning from Wemyss 1300 ex and 1400 ex Ardmhor. All Bay at 0900, but that was it! Sailings on the others were cancelled. Gourock – Dunoon service were suspended for much of the day as well, a replacement At Gigha there was a sailing ex Gigha at 1430 bus service being provided for some of it. returning from Tayinloan but this appears to Sailings finally started at 1920 ex Gourock. have been the only round trip of the day.

The wind continued to blow on Mon Dec 9. At Oban the service to Craignure was suspended till 1200 when CLANSMAN took The 0700 sailing ex Ardrossan was cancelled the sailings instead of ISLE OF ARRAN. At but later in the day there was an extra sailing Lochaline sailings to Fishnish were ex Ardrossan to Brodick at 2030 as suspended till mid afternoon as they were at CALEDONIAN ISLES was once again being Raasay which only started up to Sconser at tucked up for the night on Arran. 1430. Up at Tobermory sailings to Kilchoan were suspended till 1300 ex Tobermory. Up at Stornoway the 0700 sailing to Ullapool was cancelled as was the return at 1030 At Stornoway the 0700 departing Stornoway (LOCH SEAFORTH). and 1030 departing Ullapool were cancelled whilst on the Uig Triangle the 0730 departing At Oban the 1400 sailing to Craignure didn’t Lochmaddy, the 0940 departing Uig and happen as didn’t the return at 1500 and 1150 departing Tarbert were cancelled. whilst ISLE OF LEWIS did get to Oban from HEBRIDES started ex Lochmaddy to Uig at Castlebay in the morning she promptly broke 1150. down and her return sailing at 1340 was called off. At Mallaig the 1600 sailing to Due to adverse weather again and technical Armadale and return at 1645 were cancelled. problems the cancellations department at CalMac was overworked once again on Wed Dreadful weather was the order of the day Dec 11. Cancelled for the whole day due to once again on Tues Dec 10. weather were Gastlebay – Oban, Sound of Harris (except for the first round trip), all All sailings were cancelled for the day on sailings on the Uig Triangle (Lochmaddy- Ardrossan – Brodick, Castlebay – Oban, Oban Tarbert (Harris)–Uig), Mallaig - Armadale, –Coll/Tiree, Mallaig – Armadale, Mallaig – Mallaig – Small Isles, Lochboisdale – Mallaig. Small Isles, Tarbert (Loch Fyne) – Lochranza, Oban –Lismore after LOCH STRIVEN On the Gourock – Dunoon service ARGYLL managed to get across and back on the first FLYER needed essential maintenance leaving round trip of the day, Galanach – Kerrera, ALI CAT to service the route on her own on Tarbert – Portavadie and on the Sound of an amended timetable while up at Oban Harris. sailings to Lismore were cancelled for the day after the first round trip due to LOCH There was only one round trip on the STRIVEN developing technical difficulties. It Rothesay – Wemyss Bay route, ARGYLE was a similar story on the Gallanach – operating a 1645 sailing ex Rothesay and Kerrera service with CARVORIA also 1735 ex Wemyss Bay which was delayed till succumbing to technical problems. 1750. On the Gourock – Dunoon service sailings were suspended till 1720 ex Gourock. It was noted that on Thurs Dec 12 both At Largs sailings to Cumbrae Slip by LOCH CORUISK and HEBRIDEAN ISLES had left SHIRA were suspended until 1515 ex Largs Troon for sea trials after their refit/repairs. while sailings on Colintraive – Rhubodach However LOCH STRIVEN remained out of only got going at 1000. service all day at Oban so there were no sailings to Lismore, the radar system on

Page 21 Cruising Monthly January 2020

CALEDONIAN ISLES gave up the ghost thus rostered to Oban to take over from ISLE OF restricting the ship to daylight operations ARRAN on the service to Mull. (Regular Mull only (and there isn’t much of that in Scotland vessel ISLE OF MULL was still at Cammell at this time of year) which led to the Laird undergoing refit.) cancellation of all sailings after 1640, and then LOCH BRUSHDA broke down on the Once again on Sat Dec 14 a mixture of bad Sound of Barra service resulting in the weather and technical difficulties conspired to cancellation of all sailings after 1540. disrupt many services.

A rare bit of good news was to follow though Up on the Sound of Barra there were no – ARGYLL FLYER returned to service on the sailings till 1300 when LOCH BHRUSDA came Gourock – Dunoon route, ex Gourock at back into service after her technical 2140. problems. Meanwhile LORD OF THE ISLES had been rostered ex Mallaig at 1400 to CALEDONIAN ISLE’s radar proved resistant to Castlebay and then on to Lochboisdale for being fixed for most of the day on Fri Dec 13 2010. and the 0700 sailing ex Ardrossan was cancelled as it was still dark. However Sailings to Islay were disrupted with the engineers had managed to fix the system to Oban – Colonsay-Port Askaig- Kennacraig enable her to carry on sailing after 1615 ex sailings cancelled altogether as HEBRIDEAN Ardrossan. ISLES was substituting on the Oban – Craignure service but FINLAGGAN also saw At Islay HEBRIDEAN ISLES returned to sailings ex Kennacraig at 0700, 1300 and service but she was not in the right place to 1800 cancelled as well as the 0945 from Port follow the planned schedule and so the 0700 Ellen and 1800 from Port Askaig. sailing ex Port Askaig was cancelled as she was at Kennacraig, from where she sailed to Sailings to Gigha and Iona were suspended Port Ellen at 0700. for the day as were Tarbert – Portavadie and Tarbert – Lochranza. LORD OF THE ISLES had a busy day. With LOCH BHRUSDA out of service on the Sound On the main route to Arran weather caused of Barra all day LORD OF THE ISLES was the 1355 sailing ex Brodick and 1520 ex required to sail ex Lochboisdale at 0620 to Ardrossan to be called off and backup at Barra dropping passengers off there to catch Oban later sailings on the Lismore run and ISLEOF LEWIS to Oban. She then sailed back Gallanach – Kerrera also bit the dust. to Lochboisdale and then to Mallaig (her scheduled service) and back and then was Sailings on the Gourock – Dunoon service required to sail again to Castlebay to connect went down to a one boat operation by late with passengers disembarking from ISLE OF afternoon as the sea was too rough for ALI LEWIS and then she returned to Lochboisdale CAT but by mid evening even ARGYLL at 1900. FLYER’s sailings were suspended for a time resuming at 2240 ex Gourock. Meanwhile ISLE OF ARRAN failed at Craignure ensuring the cancellation of the It was an interesting day on the Rothesay – 1400 sailing ex Oban and the 1500 ex Wemyss Bay service as ARGYLE was out of Craignure. Repairs were not forthcoming and action all day with technical issues and poor so CLANSMAN was rostered at short notice to weather worsened as the day went on. BUTE take the next two round trips to Mull provided a one ship service ex Rothesay at although the final one at 2145 ex Oban was 0800, 0945, 1130, 1300 and 1500 returning cancelled due to a combination of crew hours from Wemyss Bay at 0900, 1045, 1215, 1405 and adverse weather. and 1600. Her sailing at 1700 ex Rothesay was unable to berth at Wemyss Bay and had Later in the day it was revealed that to return to Rothesay. All further sailings HEBRIDEAN ISLES’s return to Islay was a were cancelled. short one as she was, at the last minute,

Page 22 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Meanwhile it was noted that ISLE OF ARRAN Ardmhor. Then later in the day around 1930 had left Oban and had sailed for the Clyde for she was called out to assist in an emergency repairs to one of her bow thrust units. She and had to return to Ardmhor to drop off reached Greenock at about 0800. passengers. Because of this her early sailings on Dec 20, that is the 0715 sailing from Barra On Mon Dec 16 the Company announced the and the 0810 sailing from Eriskay were cancellation, on the route to Islay, of the cancelled. 0700 sailing ex Port Ellen and the 0945 ex Kennacraig up to and including Thurs Dec 19. Up at the Minch due to the poor weather the An amended timetable was introduced as overnight freight only sailing at 0300 ex FINLAGGAN was once again operating the Ullapool was cancelled which resulted in the route on her own. 0700 ex Stornoway also biting the dust…as LOCH SEAFORTH was still at Ullapool. On Tues Dec 17 LOCH ALAINN was noted passing Wemyss Bay southbound at 0935 On a brighter note CORUISK was observed and CORUISK was observed off Wemyss Bay out on sea trials ex Gourock after her refit at at 1240 ex Troon on her way to Gourock Troon. after her refit. It was noted that CORUISK did the 0850 The weather began to deteriorate again on sailing ex Gourock to Dunoon on Fri Dec 20 Wed Dec 18. This resulted in the cancellation instead of ALI CAT. of some services later in the day which included, on the Islay route, the 1800 sailing Due to a fault with the bow ramp of ex Kennacraig and the 2015 ex Port Askaig. CALEDONIAN ISLES on Christmas Eve the 0700 sailing ex Ardrossan and the 0820 ex The last sailing of the day on the main route Brodick were cancelled. Engineers eventually to Arran was the 1355 ex Brodick and out on rectified the fault in time for the 0945 sailing the Sound of Barra everything was cancelled ex Ardrossan to operate as planned. after 1530. Boxing Day saw the cancellation of the Meanwhile after repairs to her bow thrusters, Castlebay – Oban sailing due to the weather ISLE OF ARRAN departed the Great Harbour and on the Clyde LOCH SHIRA a ramp broke at Greenock at 0800 heading for Kennacraig. down and she had to operate single ended which of course led to delays. As the day progressed the weather got worse resulting in the last sailing to Gigha ex On the Rothesay – Wemyss Bay route Tayinloan at 1635, last sailing on Loch Fyne ARGYLE didn’t operate until after 1230, her ex Portavadie to Tarbert at 1645 and even at schedule being taken by CORUISK. the Kyles of Bute sailings finished very early at 1740 ex Rhubodach. Fri Dec 27 once again saw the cancellation of the Lochboisdale – Oban sailings by LORD OF At Gourock it was decided to call it a day at THE ISLES due to forecasted bad weather 1850 with all sailings cancelled for the rest of and down at Islay the 0945 sailing ex the day. Kennacraig and the 1800 ex Port Ellen were cancelled as essential maintenance was Meanwhile on the Mersey, ISLE OF MULL left necessary on FINLAGGAN. Cammell Laird, but only went across the river into the Liverpool Canada Dock 1 to complete Meanwhile LOCH RIDDON took over the her refit. She sailed from the Mersey late on sailings on the Largs – Cumbrae Slip route Dec 19. from LOCH SHIRA as the latter still had an inoperable ramp which needed fixing. LOCH BHRUSDA had an interesting day on the Sound of Barra route on Thurs Dec 19. In addition on the Sound of Barra due to bad Firstly she had the morning off as strong weather the 0715, 0915 and 1720 ex winds prevented any sailings before 1230 ex Ardmhor and the 0810, 1010 and 1815 ex

Page 23 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Eriskay were cancelled and it was a similar It was noted on Sun Nov 24 that reserve pattern on the Sound of Harris with the 0815 vessel on the Corran ferry, MAID OF ex Berneray and the 0925 ex Leverburgh also GLENCOUL, was berthed at Rothesay after being called off. her refit at Ardmaleish.

Meanwhile at Gigha the weather prevented EUROPEAN DIGEST the 1705 sailing ex Gigha and the 1735 ex With Alistair Deayton Tayinloan from operating.

Faeroes On Sat Dec 28 bad weather resulted in the complete cancellation of all sailings between has purchased the roro BORE Oban – Coll/Tiree, Lochboisdale and Mallaig BANK (1998) from the Finnish operator Bore and between Mallaig and the Small Isles. The Lines. She will be renamed AKRANES and service to Iona from Fionnphort only began operate on a new freight route from at 1415 and the Gigha sailings started at Þorlákshöfn in the western part of Iceland to 0830 to Tayinloan, earlier sailings having Hirtshals () via Tórshavn. been cancelled.

Norway The weather got worse as the day went on and on Loch Fyne the 1815 sailing ex Tarbert Havila Kystruten has cancelled the order and the return at 1845 from Portavadie were with Barreras for two ships for the Coastal cancelled and on the Service to Raasay the Express service. The two partially-built 20130 sailing ex Raasay and the 2100 from vessels will be towed to the Tersan yard in Sconser were called off. Out on the Sound of Turkey for completion hopefully by the time Barra the 1720 ex Ardmhor and the return the service starts on 1 January 2021. One of from Eriskay at 1815 were cancelled. the four ships will be used as a testbed for

fuel cell operation/ The weather continued to uncooperative on Havila has purchased shares in Fjord 1 so Sun Dec 29 and the cancellations department that it now owns 66.5% of the shares was busy once again. The Norled ferry STRANDEBARM has been

sold to Nigerian owners and renamed JIREH. Cancelled completely were sailings on the She left Rubbestadneset on 28 October and Castlebay – Oban service, Oban – Coll/Tiree, was refused permission to call at both Jersey Mallaig – Canna and Lochboisdale – Mallaig. and Guernsey on 9 November was towed The Gigha service only started at 1030 ex into Portland on 26 November with engine Gigha to Tayinloan, earlier sailings having failure, where she was detained by the MCA been called off. for not complying with merchant shipping

regulations and for failing to meet on-board Out on the Sound of Harris the 0830 and living standards. The 9 Russian crew 1330 sailings ex Berneray and the 0935 and members were returned to Russia in mid- 1440 ex Leverburgh were cancelled. December and ther ferry was still lying at

Portland at the time of writing. On the Clyde sailings from Rothesay were Norled has ordered two ferries (199 pax/60 diverted to Gourock, starting with the 1015 cars) for the route to Finnøy, one with ex Rothesay and an amended timetable was hydrogen fuel and the other biodiesel in operation for the rest of the day. These powered from the Ada yard in Turkey. sailings were passenger only as the ramp at FJORDPRINS (39 m/296 pax), the second of Gourock was once again under repair. four catamarans built for them by Oma Normal service to Wemyss Bay was resumed Båtbyggeri, was delivered in mid-December. at 1700 ex Rothesay. The Gourock – Dunoon She started on the Tromsø to Harstad route service was suspended for most of the day. on 1 January. The next in the series will be

named FJORDJARL, the first, Highland Council FJORDDRONNINGEN having been delivered in September.

Page 24 Cruising Monthly January 2020

Three of Fjord 1’s 67 m car ferries on order last April, which were very successful with from Havyard are to be named FEDJEBJØRN, over 5,000 bookings since then. SMØLA and MØRINGEN. The last passenger train ran on the The former PCE Boat SOGNEFJORD (Nov Puttgarden to Rødby train ferry ran on 14 CM), built in Chicago in 1943 and now named December, all trains from to ORIENT EXPLORER, ran aground during a now running via Odense and storm last September at Kota Kiinabalu, Flensburg Malaysia, where she had been laid up for some years.

Sweden SDS motor vessel GRAFIN COSEL was re- engined last winter on the slip at Laubegast, RAMSÖ has been operating on line 80 of the and sister AUGUST DER STARKE is having Stockholm transport system, from Nybroplan the same done this winter. to Kvarnholmen, Nacka Strand, Lidingö and A new support group for the Dresden Paddle Frihamn, during the winter months. steamers has been founded named “Weisse Flotte Dresden - Freunde der Sâschischen Denmark Dampfschiffahrt”. Paddle steamer KAISER WILHELM has had a DFDS’ new mega RoRo HOLLANDIA 6.5 metre section of her stern replaced. SEAWAYS started on the to Ghent service on 1 December. The fourth Switzerland ferry in this class will replace the three existing ferries on the route in the second As part of her major rebuild Lake Lucerne quarter of 2020. The majority of the traffic paddle steamer STADT LUZERN is being re- southbound is Volvo cars. boilered, the existing boiler being the original one from 1928. Baltic Untersee & Rhein motor vessel ARENENBERG (1983) has had a major Finnlines have ordered two Super Star class technical overhaul and new engines fitted RoPax ferries (229.5 m/5,100 lane this winter. metres/350 cabins/1,212pax) from the China Lake Zürich motor vessel GLÄRNISCH spent Merchants Industry Jinling (Weihai) yard in the summer as a static restaurant ship in China, the yard formerly known as AVIC Wadenswil Harbour and has been sold by Weihai, for delivery in 2023 to replace ZSG to Karl Bernard Bruggmann. She will FINNFELLOW and FINNSWAN on the be used as a craft workshop from next Kapellskär to Långnas and Naantali route. Easter. They will each have the biggest battery pack ST GALLEN on the Bodensee is to be re- ever mounted on a ship. engined this winter/ DFDS will replace LIVERPOOL SEAWAYS with SIRENA SEAWAYS, currently sailing for Madeira Brittany Ferries as BAIE DE SEINE, on the Karlshamn to Klaipeda route on 14 April. A replica of Columbus’s SANTA MARIA offers Moby SPL has cancelled all sailings of SPL coastal cruises from Funchal, partially by sail. PRINCESS ANASTASIA in December and January due to unforeseen and unavoidable Gibraltar technical issues. The new Wasaline ferry will be named Monteverde Shipping is planning to open AURORA BOTNIA and enter service in May a new passenger and freight ferry route from 2021. Gibraltar to Algeciras. Stena Line is to spend €5 million on refitting the cabins and public spaces of the ferries Malta MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN and SKÅNE on the Trelleborg to Rostock route. Both A 13.5km tunnel from Malta to Gozo is to be were fitted with Japanese-Style sleeping pods built, due to open in 2024. This will obviously

Page 25 Cruising Monthly January 2020 affect the ferry service operated by Gozo with fares claimed to be 30% lower than Channel. Red Star Ferries. Excursion operator Captain Morgan has Grimaldi Lines is using CRUISE AUSONIA ordered four catamarans from Wight on the route from Brindisi to from 20 Shipyard, two 20 m and two 33 m craft December to 15 February. Italy Greece Tirrenia is to close its offices in Naples and Cagliari and create about 1,000 redundancies OLYMPUS ex ELLI T (1976) (Sept CM) started from September 2010. operating for SeaSpeed Lines again from Grimaldi has purchased Visentini-built Piraeus to Milos, Santorini and Rethymnon on CIUDAD DE CADIZ ex ALBAYZIN (2004) from 12 December. Trasmediterranea. MASTER JET, originally Moby has returned MOBY AKI and MOBY FRANCE, later SEACAT ISLE WONDER to the Livorno to Olbia service after OF MAN and SNAEFELL, has seen no service their abortive sale to DFDS. It has also in 2019, and appears to have been chartered SUPERFAST BALEARES following cannibalised for parts for other vessels in the an engine-room fire on EUROCARGO fleet, in common with a number of her TRIESTE. sisters. GNV’s GNV AZZURRA has been chartered by Fast Ferries chartered HELLENIC Virgin Voyages as an accommodation ship HIGHSPEED, originally SUPERSEACAT TWO during completion of the SCARLET of 1993 and the IOMSP’s from 2008 LADY at Sestri Ponente. to 2009, last summer as a replacement for ALF POLLAK was returned from a brief sub- EKATERINI T which was awaiting new charter to DFDS to Tirrenia in Mid- engines. December and has joined sister MARIA Kerkyra Lines has purchased the Japanese GRAZIA ONORATO on the Genoa-Livorno- ferry FERRY MISHIMA (1995/44.24 m/167 Catania-Valletta service, with occasional calls pax/4 trucks and 2 cars). She began her at Naples. delivery voyage from Nagasaki on 7 Cartour has chartered Visentini-built HEDY December. LAMARR from Balearia for 40 days, to start Cretan Daily Cruises newly acquired after she has been dry-docked. NISSOS CHRYSSI, ex RUNGHOLT (Nov CM) arrived in Piraeus on 18 December from Croatia Germany.

Split Express has placed its catamaran OCEAN CRUISE REVIEW ADRIATIC EXPRESS, formerly of With Mike Taplin Red Funnel, up for sale

RCL’s OVATION OF THE SEAS sent to tour Adriatic party from Tauranga to White Island New

Zealand on Dec 8, just before the fatal Seamed’s EUROPEAN STAR, originally ST volcanic eruption. They did not return to the CHRISTOPHER of , sailed from ship, which was held overnight in port Brindisi to Piraeus for repairs on 30 awaiting developments. November. Fleetmates IONIAN STAR ex

BOHUS and RED STAR I, originally Virgin Voyages SCARLET LADY was floated Thoresen’s VIKING III of 1965, both made out on Nov 15 and will be available for two brief visits there at about the same time. mini-cruises from Miami on 26 and 29 March Adria Ferries will rebuild AF CLAUDIA to 2020 before the official inaugural on April 1. increase her passenger capacity to 1,800 The company’s second ship, due to debut in before 2021. She is back in service from May 2021, will be named VALIANT LADY. She Ancona to Durres after her charter to will sail regular itineraries from Barcelona. Grimaldi.

European Seaways has started a new service from Brindisi to Valona with PRINCE

Page 26 Cruising Monthly January 2020

The floods in Venice in November caused Chantiers de l’Atlantique in St-Nazaire on Nov several cruise ship calls to be cancelled, 29, and is now fitting out before delivery in including , MSC November. SINFONIA and MSC MAGNIFICA, with turn- rounds switched to Trieste. The city council Seadream Yacht Club and Damen used the cruise terminal to house displaced Shipyards have mutually agreed to terminate residents. the contract for a 15,600grt cruise ship. The The former SILVER DISCOVERER, now LA line hopes to announce a newbuild in 2020. BELLE DES OCÉANS of CroisiEurope, sank in shallow water after hitting a rock near The maiden cruise of Aida’s AIDAMIRA Phuket on Nov 24. The company plans to (formerly MISTRAL) from Palma on Nov 30 take her to for repair. was cancelled after passengers had boarded, due to non-completion of certain aspects of P&O Cruises VENTURA lost propulsion after the renovation work. leaving Tenerife for Arrecife on Dec 6. Tugs were despatched and towed the ship back to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. After repairs the ship sailed directly to Lisbon.

P&O Cruises Australia has announced that its two ex Holland America ships, and PACIFIC ARIA are to leave the fleet in February and April 2021. They have been sold the Cruise & Maritime Voyages. P&O is to take GOLDEN PRINCESS in 2020 and rename her .

The 216m centre section of GLOBAL DREAM (208,000grt) has been towed from the Warnemünde yard of MV Werften to their Wismar facility, where the bow and stern sections will be added and fitting out of the 346m ship for Dream Cruises completed. On Dec 9 the keel was laid for the second of this class of ship. At the ceremony the yard’s owners, Genting HK, announced plans for a new series of 88,000grt ships, with the first to be available by the end of 2022. This will become available for hotel brands that wish to enter the cruise industry, but cannot do so because there are no building slots available at yards with the relevant experience. Ponant has ordered two new 11,000grt ships from Fincantieri subsidiary Vard for Paul Gaguin Cruises. They will be delivered in 2022 and there is an option for a third ship.

The keel was laid for the new Holland America RYNDAM at Fincantieri Marghera on Nov 21. Delivery will be in 2021.

Two MSC cruise ships (Poesia and Europa) have been chartered to act as floating hotels during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. MSC VIRTUOSA left the construction dock at

Page 27 Cruising Monthly January 2020

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